The sons of German-born harness maker August Rüngeling, the Ringling brothers founded the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1884. Conceived by Albert and headed by John, August T. had little involvement in the circus.

They were all members of Baraboo Lodge No. 34 in Baraboo Wisconsin. The minutes of a special meeting on April 8, 1891 show the regular officers opening the lodge then the following taking the chairs: WM: Af T. Ringling, SW: August, JW: Al, SD: Charles, JD: Otto, SS: Henry. Their father (d. 1898) was Raised on August 19, 1891.